Weather Information for Surface Transportation: National Needs Assessment Report

NHTSA · 2002 · ROSA P / United States. Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research

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Summary

This 2002 report, produced by the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (OFCM), addresses the critical need for improved weather information to support surface transportation safety and efficiency. Motivated by the significant economic costs and safety risks associated with adverse weather, the study aims to compile and analyze specific weather information needs across six transportation sectors: roadway, long-haul railway, marine transportation, pipeline systems, rural and urban transit, and airport ground operations. The initiative was spurred by a 1998 federal interagency committee identification of these needs as a priority, recognizing that existing weather support for surface transportation was minimal despite its impact on homeland security, economic productivity, and operational decision-making. The methodology involved a coordinated, multi-year process led by a Joint Action Group. It began with two symposia in 1999 and 2000 to identify user needs and review progress. The core data collection involved an initial questionnaire and a detailed follow-up survey distributed to representatives from federal, state, local, and private sector entities. Participants were asked to identify specific weather elements affecting their activities, the required information attributes (such as spatial scale, severity thresholds, and timing), and necessary lead times for forecasts or observations. The resulting data were compiled into "WIST Needs Templates" for each sector, which were then validated through further engagement with the transportation communities to ensure accuracy and relevance. The analysis of these validated needs revealed several key findings. First, users across all sectors recognize the value of weather information but require data tailored to their specific operational contexts, including precise spatial and temporal scales. Second, there is significant variation in needs both between and within sectors, driven by differing activities and risk profiles. For instance, roadway users prioritize information on snow, ice, and fog to mitigate crashes and delays, while marine and pipeline operators focus on different environmental threats. The report highlights that adverse weather contributes to approximately 7,000 fatalities and 800,000 injuries annually on highways, with an estimated economic cost of nearly $42 billion from crashes alone. Furthermore, the study found that users often lack awareness of available weather sources and differ in their understanding of weather impacts, indicating a gap in outreach and education. The significance of this report lies in its establishment of a framework for future improvements in transportation weather services. It concludes that meeting these needs requires enhanced cooperation among federal agencies, state entities, and private sector providers. The report outlines six strategic thrust areas for action, including identifying gaps in coverage, expanding coordination among research and development programs, clarifying provider roles, translating research into applications, supporting fundamental knowledge development, and expanding outreach. By aligning weather information provision with specific user decision-making processes, the report argues that it is possible to simultaneously enhance safety and realize economic benefits, thereby improving the resilience and efficiency of the nation’s surface transportation infrastructure.

Key finding

Adverse weather is estimated to play a role in 800,000 injuries and 7,000 fatalities annually, representing approximately 28 percent of all highway crashes and 19 percent of all fatalities.

Methodology

survey

Provenance

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• weather rain fog snow